The use of an aluminum shell for isolation and marginal elevation in a tooth with no proximal structure

Deep margin elevation is a technique to solve the problem of localized sub-gingival margins of a tooth. It facilitates isolation and allows the use of adhesive materials. Otherwise, the tooth may not be restorable and the outcome of marginal integrity may remain questionable. Different methods have been suggested previously but they have disadvantages. This article describes the use of an aluminum shell as a matrix to restore a tooth with a sub-gingival margin. The aluminum shell is adapted to the remaining tooth contour and also extends beyond the margins to ensure the isolation and provide a matrix to restore the tooth.